Just Who Is Jesse Joensuu?

The “Just Who Is” series has been a great read from all the feedback we have gotten, but it also allows us writers the chance to learn a little bit more about certain players. Following the success of the prospect editions, we decided to take a look at all the NHL and bigger AHL adds that the Oilers made.

Jeremy looked at Ryan Hamilton on Monday here: http://www.theoilersrig.com/2013/09/02/just-who-is-ryan-hamilton-get-excited-oilers-fans/ while Dave Gordon looked at Will Acton yesterday here: http://www.theoilersrig.com/2013/09/03/just-who-is-will-acton/

Today, I get to look at forward Jesse Joensuu, another signing from this past July that looks like a need based move. It’s yet another bigger role player brought into the fold, but Joensuu could be different from the ones brought in before him. He’s a little known player from the Islanders system, so it begs the question, just who is Jesse Joensuu?

Joensuu was drafted by the New York Islanders in 2006 with the 60th overall pick, so there was something that New York saw in this player. His results in other leagues would suggest that as well. Jesse put up decent scoring numbers in the Finnish league and in the AHL, and has some offensive upside.

The Hockey News describes him as having some scoring ability and some scouts feel he can use his body to create offense, which fits the hole Edmonton has up front. While his offensive style has successfully translated to other leagues, it has yet to translate to the NHL. The only plus of it is that he has put up decent AHL numbers, so we know he can play on the North American ice. The one downfall some say is that he doesn’t shoot enough, but that can be corrected.

Jesse does a lot of other things right. He’s a tough guy and has the ability to drop the gloves and hold his own. He’s willing to go too, so that would scratch the toughness itch Edmonton has. He’s a decent forechecker too, and some scouts describe him as very aggressive on the forecheck.

He’s a decent two-way player too, and has the ability to play in his own end. Coupling that with his toughness and aggressive forecheck style makes him an appealing bottom six grinder for a team like the Oilers, so even though the offense hasn’t been there, we can see some positive things that make this move worthwhile.

Size wise, Joensuu gives the Oilers a little bit of help there, as he comes in at 6’4” and 209 lbs, so he’s quite a big boy. Overall, Joensuu is a guy who can be described as a two-way hockey player with some offensive upside. That’s exactly what Edmonton needed this past off-season, and it’s hard to not see him as an upgrade on some of the outgoing bottom sixers.

He’s not a sexy name, but Jesse Joensuu is a decent option for a team like Edmonton. He’s a got a good skill set for a bottom six unit, and has something to prove coming off of an injury riddled last year. A change of scenery could be just what the doctor ordered here.

Joensuu will be an interesting player to watch as camp moves along, and I expect he will be in the mix for a third line job.

I’ll leave you with Joensuu going at it with Rangers heart and soul forward Ryan Callahan, enjoy!